An acting Carbondale Area administrator has been juggling dual roles since early July and, according to school board officials, it could be several months before that changes.
David Cerra was appointed interim superintendent on July 5, after Dominick Famularo, Ed.D., retired. Mr. Cerra, who is the district's business manager, has been wearing two hats ever since.
Since Dr. Famularo's retirement, the board has advertised for a candidate holding a superintendent's certification, despite a recent change in law that allows consideration of a candidate with a degree in business, finance, management or law, along with four years of related experience.
Seven candidates have been interviewed so far, according to board President Gary Smedley, who added that several had either accepted positions elsewhere or withdrawn their applications.
"It's not moving as fast I thought it would initially be moving," he said of the process.
Three more interviews were conducted recently, and now it will be up to the board whether second interviews are requested or the position is readvertised, Mr. Smedley said.
"I'd like to continue looking to make sure there is no one else out there that would be a perfect candidate," he said.
He didn't rule out any of the applicants interviewed so far.
Board member Tracey Andrews speculated that salary could be a factor in the length of the search.
"Most of the people who are coming to interview are already making more money than the board is offering," she said. "If you get out of our area, it's nothing for them to make $125,000 or more."
Mr. Smedley said salary was negotiable, but the base rate would be in the range of $100,000 to $120,000.
Though Mrs. Andrews and fellow board member John Jordan said Mr. Cerra had been handling his responsibility well, both look forward to a permanent hire. Mr. Cerra is eligible to hold the interim position for no more than one year, which will end in July.
"For all that's thrown at him, he's really doing a good job," Mr. Jordan said of Mr. Cerra. "It's time we filled the position and moved on."
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